Published: June 22, 2009 05:51 pm      

Spriggs’ jingle becomes Web sensation

What started out as a local commercial for a Midwest City eatery has become a hit song among Internet surfers. Actor Will Ferrell even put the song on his Web site funnyordie.com.

Chris Spriggs, son of the owner of Mr. Spriggs BBQ and Burgers, said he now receives frequent phone calls from people who want to play the song at their dance clubs or weddings. He sells T-shirts to people who call from as far away as California or Canada. People go out of their way to visit the restaurant when traveling through the state.

“It’s just growing and growing,” he said.

The idea was born about three years ago when Spriggs’ friend Cameron Dukes decided to go into the jingle business. Dukes, a gospel singer, already had a popular song called “Never Play On.” He took the melody and beat from that song and changed the words to describe Mr. Spriggs BBQ and Burgers restaurant.

After Dukes and Spriggs began working on the commercial, they pulled another friend who agreed to shoot the video for them. Spriggs gathered his family, friends, employees and willing customers to appear in the commercial. When it first appeared on television, Spriggs was satisfied with the commercial, but didn’t think too much else about it. However, things quickly changed.

“Somebody saw it on TV, put it on YouTube and since then it’s been a success,” he said. From YouTube, the video appeared on funnyordie.com. Spriggs said it also appeared on Web Soup and VH1’s Best Week Ever.

Dukes said the popularity of the commercial has helped his exposure as well.

“A lot of people hear the song and go to my Myspace,” he said. Dukes’ music is available at www.myspace.com/camjustlisten or at gospelcam.com.

Mr. Spriggs BBQ and Burgers has been in Midwest City since 1985 at the corner of S.E. 29th and Air Depot Boulevard. It is currently located at 1017 S. Air Depot Boulevard, just north of its original location.

Spriggs said his dad originally started the restaurant to fill in his spare time when he wasn’t working as a fireman. Spriggs said his grandparents had owned a restaurant in Meeker, Okla.

“He grew up in the business,” said Spriggs.

Spriggs noted that the same family business atmosphere is the base of his dad’s restaurant. Himself, his brother and his aunt all work at the restaurant. He said the employees that aren’t related become like family as well. The teamwork keeps them close.

“Everyone here does everything,” he said.

Mr. Spriggs BBQ and Burgers serves ribs, brisket and other meats from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. For the brave, they offer a special 9-1-1 sauce. For those who aren’t meat eaters, Spriggs said the cakes draw a crowd as well.

“Our cake is giving us a run for our ribs,” he said.

For more information, call Mr. Spriggs BBQ and Burgers at 733-8578.